Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Today our darling little boy turned 4. It hardly seems possible! We're not celebrating until Saturday, as it's just not complete without Daddy... thankfully at this point he still doesn't really understand about the actual date. He's very, very excited to be 4, though. Kind of fun, as this is the first time he's really anticipating his birthday, and has told me many times over the past few weeks that he's going to be a "big 4 boy." The most exciting change for him is moving up to the preschool class at church; he's recently been getting rather bored with the goings-on in the 2's and 3's class. So although we didn't have any big to-do here, I watched my "big boy" play today and was just a teensy bit sad about how quickly he's growing up.

So now that I've babbled on, how about some pictures? Today was a sunny sixty degrees, so we soaked up the sun. Both kids were totally hamming it up today, so I didn't get any nice pictures, but I promise they'll make you smile! And I also just had to share the cherry blossoms and our little visitor in amongst the forsythia...

Well, it's been a little while since I reminded everyone what a great singer - songwriter Chris Rice is. I stumbled onto this on YouTube last week, and was delighted to hear some new stuff. (warning: this video is approx 30 minutes long, so takes a little while to load)

Why do I love music so much? It's always been a part of my life - fun kids' songs (and of course I've come full circle as I'm now teaching many of the same ones to my children), cheesy ballads that somehow are just perfect during awkward teen years, majestic hymns that inevitably bring tears to my eyes... I can't even begin to choose a favorite - there are so many wonderful songs, and many are attached to priceless memories.

If I don't have music playing, then I'm probably humming or singing myself. And I'm so thrilled to see our children enjoying it, too. We jam out to Sunday School songs, and have an unwritten rule that we must belt out "Snuggle Puppy" at least once a day. And I know we're giant dorks, but our daughter absolutely loves to watch Lawrence Welk (she gets to stay up for an extra half hour on Saturday nights so she can enjoy the puce dresses, bubbles, waltzing, and long forgotten show tunes) The kids have a few of their own musical instruments, and both demonstrate a strong sense of rhythm - their voices are pretty good, too, and I'm really curious to see how they develop in the years ahead.

Tuesday, March 27, 2007

I have learned a lot about myself while my hubby has been on this extended business trip. First off, a big ol' hats off to single parents, military wives, etc. Parenting is tough when there are two active participants, and it's absolutely brutal with only one. I am soooo tired. Tired because I haven't been sleeping all that well (I miss my bed warmer of nearly 11 years! Plus I'm constantly listening for the kids...). Tired because the kids are looking to me for all their needs. Tired because I truly want to be the kind of mother that God desires, and not the angry, crazed woman that is lurking just below the surface.

So anyway, it all sort of seemed to come to a head yesterday morning. I woke up with a fever and just generally feeling lousy. Cancelled plans (which I really didn't want to do!!) and laid low for the day. Spent some time in the Word and praying. Read stories to the kids and cuddled while we watched a video. Clipped coupons and sorted paperwork. I feel better today, but still drained.

So what have I learned? I'm a proud person. I really enjoy helping others out, but have a hard time asking for it myself. But I am a part of the body, and when I need help, I need to accept it. (Prov 16:18, Romans 12:16, James 4:6-10, I Cor 12:12-31) I need to truly turn things over to the Lord, none of this half-hearted prayer only when I feel things spiraling out of control. It's all about HIS grace and power. (Matt 12:28-29, II Cor 12:9-10, John 15:4-8) I've also been reminded that although God has given me a wonderful husband, I cannot look to him as a "mini-God" and expect him to fix all my problems. I must turn to Jehovah Jireh, my provider (Gen 1:1 - Rev 22:21)

And can I just say how thankful I am for the Psalms? What a comfort to know that it's OK to question God, to deal with our emotions. There are both highs and lows, and we can cry out to the Lord in all these circumstances.

Why are you downcast, o my soul? Why so disturbed within me?

Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him,

my Savior and my God...

By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me -

a prayer to the God of my life.

(Psalm 42:5,8)w w w w w w

So anyway, I'm back. Still not perfect. Still working on turning myself over completely - I know God doesn't need my insights on how things should be... But my heart is being softened, and I pray that I'm looking just a bit more Christlike.

And I thought I'd close with a little reminder of grace: I saw our first crocus peeking out as I emptied the garbage yesterday. Yep, despite all the crazy weather and my lack of gardening prowess, the flower emerges.

Sunday, March 25, 2007

Whew - busy weekend. I hit the consignment sale yesterday but was pretty disappointed in the selection. I usually work the sale so am able to shop on Thursday or Friday night - when I got there Saturday at 9:30 things were very picked over. I did find a couple outfits for our daughter , three Rescue Hero movies for our son, and some fun play food, but am going to have to find general summer clothes somewhere else. Oh, and can I rant just a moment about little girls clothing, bathing suits in particular? Why on earth would I want my 2 year old wearing a hoochie mama bikini?!? There was one in particular that just turned my stomach, as it was black with metallic trim around the "cups" on the upper part. Whatever happened to cute one pieces with butterflies and flowers?

Today was my last day of teaching the Preschool class. Demanding job, but what a blessing!! Today's theme was "Jesus died for our sins and rose again." Doesn't get much more exciting than that! Our curriculum is really good about suggesting hands-on activities: we rubbed some lavender oil into play-doh (while talking about how the women were going to put special oil and spices on Jesus' body), then gathered everyone's play-doh together into a big rock to block the tomb. We also made "angel belts" (white poster board with gold glitter paint) and then got to announce that Jesus is alive!! I'm exhausted, but it's so exciting to see the kids learning, helping to plant those seeds of faith.

We came home and had lunch, then family naptime. A took hers upstairs, but D and I dozed on the couch while "watching" the Bristol race. Bummer about Tony. I was curious to see the driver's reactions to the COT. No one had been particularly excited about it thus far, and I was wondering whether NASCAR would have sort of put the kibosh on the drivers, preventing them from speaking out. Based on Kyle Busch's remarks in the winner's circle, I guess that wasn't the case. On to Martinsville!

So on to this evening - after I tucked A into bed, D and I played a few rounds of Dora Candyland. I've been super hard on him the past few days; I know he's missing Daddy, but that doesn't excuse his inappropriate behavior. I'm missing Daddy, too, but that's no excuse for me, either - I've let some stuff slide, and then other times I blow up and start yelling. Not pretty. So tonight I made it a point to sit down with him one on one - we both had a lot of fun, and what a change in attitude. He didn't fight me on going to bed, and during his prayers he specifically thanked Jesus for games. What a great reminder to me of just how much he appreciates those simple things. And a clue to other parents - praying with your children isn't just "something nice," it seriously will really help you understand what your kids are feeling and what's important to them. Sometimes it's silly and sometimes I nearly cry as I listen to them pour out their little hearts. What a precious gift!!

Friday, March 23, 2007

I've been hearing a lot about spring cleaning these days, so thought I'd pass along these great tips:

Vacuuming too often weakens the carpet fibers. Say this with a serious face, and shudder whenever anyone mentions Carpet Fresh.

Dust bunnies cannot evolve into dust rhinos when disturbed. Rename the area under the couch "The Galapagos Islands" and claim an ecological exemption.

Layers of dirty film on windows and screens provide a helpful filter against harmful and aging rays from the sun. Call it an SPF factor of 5 and leave it alone.

Cobwebs artfully draped over lampshades reduces the glare from the bulb, thereby creating a romantic atmosphere. If your spouse points out that the light fixtures need dusting, simply look affronted and exclaim, "What? And spoil the mood?"

Explain the mound of pet hair brushed up against the doorways by claiming you are collecting it there to use for stuffing handsewn play animals for underprivileged children.

If unexpected company is coming, pile everything unsightly into one room and close the door. As you show your guests through your tidy home, rattle the door knob vigorously, fake a growl and say, "I'd love you to see our den, but Fluffy hates to be disturbed and the shots are dreadfully expensive."

If dusting is really out of control, simply place a showy urn on the coffee table and explain that "THIS is where Grandma wanted us to scatter her ashes..."

Don't bother repainting. Simply scribble lightly over a dirty wall with an assortment of crayons, and try to muster a glint of tears as you say, "Junior did this the week before that unspeakable accident... I haven't had the heart to clean it..."

Mix one-quarter cup pine-scented household cleaner with four cups of water in a spray bottle. Mist the air lightly. Leave dampened rags in conspicuous locations. Develop an exhausted look, throw yourself onto the couch, and sigh, "I clean and I clean and I still don't get anywhere..."

And last but not least...

The sign of a great housekeeper: You haven't misplaced your house once!

I know I promised to share more about the wonderful talk we had at MOPS, but I'm still digesting. I haven't forgotten, and will definitely get it done within the next few days.

Only one more week without my hubby - please continue to pray for us. The kids have really been bickering a lot, and just seem worn out. I had another dentist appointment yesterday, and when I picked them up from my friend's house after I was done, they both had complete meltdowns and were screaming that they didn't want to come home. I had planned quite a few outings for us, but now I'm reconsidering the wisdom of that and may clear some things off of the schedule next week.

“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.” II Peter 1:3-8(Thanks for reminding me of this great passage, Gen!)

Wednesday, March 21, 2007

Yes, spring has sprung - it may be chilly outside, but the birds are singing and the sun is shining, so I'm a happy camper. I can't wait to see our dogwood bloom - it is absolutely loaded with buds, so you can bet I'll be sharing pics. Please pay no attention to the white stuff on the ground!

Also wanted to make sure that you are aware of some very nice spring freebies available today:

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Our weather is becoming spring-like again, so we ventured out to the post office and the library, returned home laden with books and a couple DVDs, and then the kids managed to play in the backyard for a little while without getting too muddy. I still have that huge list of things I'm hoping to accomplish before the week is out. I've made a bit of progress, but need to find a higher gear. I am such a procrastinator, and am exceptionally good at finding distractions.To celebrate the halfway point of Daddy's trip, we had Chinese tonight. The kids love their mein fun! I'm thinking that my hubby's fortune somehow ended up in my cookie, though...

We have a MOPS meeting tomorrow that I'm really looking forward to. Who can resist hot coffee, childcare, and adult conversation?!? Seriously, though, our Mentor Mom is speaking. She is a wonderful lady - caring and compassionate, down to earth, and with a great sense of humor to boot! I know that my heart will be both encouraged and challenged tomorrow.

And last but not least, I now present today's pet peeves:

1. Kids' DVDs that force you to watch ten minutes worth of previews. Seriously, why must they encode it so the menu button doesn't function until we've taken in all the propoganda?

2. People that you haven't talked to in over a year - and honestly never really knew all that well anyway - that hit you up for their child's fundraiser. How convenient that they still have our address.

Monday, March 19, 2007

Well, we've officially survived 9 days without Daddy. I spoke to him yesterday; he still sounds really worn out, but the good news is that their schedule isn't quite as exhausting this week.

There's so much I'm hoping to get done this week; between my mouth bothering me and the kids being sick, I feel like I lost a week earlier this month and am just now caught back up. I want to finish organizing my laundry area (I think I started working on that back in January), clean out the kitchen cupboards, and clear up the stack of misc papers that I've been moving back and forth between the table and kitchen counter. I need to take inventory of the kids' clothes, as my favorite consignment sale is coming up this weekend and I need to figure out what they need for the spring/summer. I also am planning to spend at least one evening working in my craft pit - I would love to surprise my hubby when he comes home and sees my beautifully organized space (snort).

For dinner tonight, I'm making a big ol' pot of rice and beans. I baked a ten pound ham on Saturday night - they were on sale, and I love using the leftovers! I'll be using the bone tonight, and the rest of the meat has been chopped and frozen to use later in corn chowder, alfredo sauce with peas, breakfast casserole, etc. See, every now and then a bit of organization creeps in... Here's to a stocked freezer and a warm house!

"You are just a sweet person. When a friend needs a shoulder to cry on, you are happy to offer yours with a box of tissues as well. Once in awhile, you wish you could be a little more dramatic but then sensibility sets back in and you know that you are perfect the way you are." Um, perfect just the way I am? Hardly!!

Friday, March 16, 2007

Thursday, March 15, 2007

God is good! Now I know that goes without saying, but I just want to praise Him for the way my root canal happened today. The big issue was that the problem was under a crown - there was only one dentist at the practice that was willing to tackle it, as it involved drilling through the crown. I wasn't looking forward to this; not because of the procedure itself, but because I was figuring that drilling through the piece would weaken it considerably and shorten its life. I want that baby to last as long as possible! Well, I got there and he started talking to me about the options. He said we could try knocking it off - it would be pretty uncomfortable and there was no guarantee that it would actually work, but he could try - totally up to me. I said go for it, and was praying while he brought out the "heavy equipment." He was able to get it off without damaging the crown and did about 95% of the root canal procedure. Since there was still some infection present, he capped it off with a temporary filling just to give it some time to heal. I go back next week for a final X-ray to make sure everything is alright, and then they'll reattach the crown. And I must add that I got some good uninterrupted prayer time in the chair :)

Wednesday, March 14, 2007

Today was a bee-yoo-tee-full day! Nearly 80 degrees, just a bit of a breeze, birds singing... So of course we played outside as long as possible. We swung, climbed, slid, and just generally ran around like crazy people. We didn't even come in to eat; we grilled hot dogs for lunch and dined on the back porch. I love these type of days! Later in the afternoon while little sister was napping, D decided to play Superman (he's very much into the whole superhero scene these days) with his hooded towel and a Wal-Mart bag for good measure. I just love seeing the things this boy comes up with!

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"There are lives I can imagine without children but none of them have the same laughter & noise."

Tuesday, March 13, 2007

- I use ALOT of adverbs when I write. What would I do without those -ly words?- Our house is a much happier place when the kids can get outside and run off some energy. I'm loving the sunshine and warmer temps!

- Our daughter has a serious sweet tooth (She was being a little too quiet, and I found her hiding out with the precious cookies. Doesn't she look repentant?)- I take my hubby for granted.- I am very immature in so many ways. Just because I'm smiling doesn't mean that I'm not whining internally.- I have much to be thankful for!

Nothing earth-shattering, but thought I'd jot them down so I can be reminded as needed.

Monday, March 12, 2007

When I saw today's "Monday Memory" topic, I just had to participate! Times spent at LeTourneau University are among my most cherished memories. I had friends in high school and certainly did well academically, but can't say I particularly enjoyed that time in my life. College, though, was where I definitely blossomed. I chose LU because I wanted a Christian college that offered an accredited engineering program. I had attended public schools K-12, but I really wanted a Christian institution for this next step. I loved math and science, so thought engineering was a good career choice (of course, I realized that wasn't the case after my first semester!). The fact that it was approximately 1,500 miles away from home didn't bother me in the least: I was ready to spread my wings. So in August, 1992, I set foot onto the campus for the first time ever (I couldn't afford to do a preview weekend). Met a whole slew of new people, spent a whole lot of money on heavy books, kissed my parents good-bye, and jumped on in.

I formed some lifelong friendships (hi, roomie!), learned a lot about my Savior, came to grips with some things about myself, and even managed to find time to study and earn a degree. I also learned that you can't judge someone on first impressions; I met my hubby there, and initially wrote him off as just plain wacko. College is such a unique time in life: generally speaking, you're no longer under your parent's roof, so are learning to establish some of your own boundaries - but don't yet have the heavy load of responsibilities that come with a full time job, family, etc. I can recall so many evenings watching movies, studying, or just chatting with friends. We ate, prayed, snoozed, learned, pranked, laughed and cried together. I don't think I'll ever have the opportunity to share times like that (no, we have no plans to move to a commune). Our dorms were run down (they now have wonderful new ones), the food was lousy, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. Even when I quickly learned that engineering was NOT for me (that C in Introduction to CAD still stands out on my transcript), I couldn't imagine going elsewhere. I graduated in 1996 with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Biblical Studies, but that simple piece of parchment symbolizes so much more.

Sunday, March 11, 2007

Just wanted to pop in and say that I am feeling SOOOOO much better. As I was drifting off to sleep last night, I was praying 1) for my hubby and 2)that I would would have a better attitude and soon get some relief from the stupid, throbbing pain. (Warning: a bit of grossness to follow - you might want to skip to the next paragraph!) When I woke up this morning, I noticed a strange taste in my mouth - it seems the infection decided to create its own exit under the crown. After some vigorous tooth brushing and much spitting, I seriously feel like a new woman. It's still sore and I still can't open my mouth very far, but the throbbing has virtually disappeared. Now I know I can hold on until the root canal on Thursday... Thank you, Lord, for your continued grace to this tired, grumpy wimp! And I must say my attitude is much better, too.

In other relief news, I am very thankful to report that my hubby has landed after his 6,500+ mile flight. He called just to say that he arrived; he sounded exhausted and was heading to the hotel. Probably won't get to talk to him again until tomorrow, but I'm happy to know that things have gone well thus far. Another thank you, Jesus!!

I'm listening to Chris Rice while doing some minor pick up (yes, our house is approaching a non-humiliating state once more), and wanted to share "And Your Praise Goes On" along with a photo I took of the sunrise at the beach last year.

Since we couldn't make it to church this morning, the kids are playing and I was just doing a bit of surfing when I came across this Bible Quiz. Some of the questions were really cheesy and some I actually had to stop and think about, but I promise I didn't cheat!

You know the Bible 100%!

Wow! You are awesome! You are a true Biblical scholar, not just a hearer but a personal reader! The books, the characters, the events, the verses - you know it all! You are fantastic!

Saturday, March 10, 2007

Made it through our first official day without Daddy. The kids are still running slight temperatures, so no church for us tomorrow. I was supposed to teach SS, so we had a brief outing when I took the lesson and supplies over to a friend. My son totally had me cracking up on the drive over when he excitedly announced that he heard a shark. First of all, I'm not really sure what exactly a shark sounds like. Secondly, I think we can rest assured that it's not driving around eastern PA. Oh, the mind of a little boy! Then when he realized where we were going, he told me that he wanted to stay and play with his friends. After I told him that his friends weren't home, he said that he and his sister could just stay with "Mister Duh-dam" (yes, that should be Mrs. - we're working on that one!). I said that I would get lonely if I left them there, and he very solemnly told me that, "It's OK, Mommy. I still love you, and you could get us later." Of course copy-cat little sister chimed in at that point with a, "Wuv you!" Yep, these are precious memories we're making...

It's been one of those weeks. My mouth is still really bothering me (although I must say it's a great diet plan to eat only mushy foods - I've lost six pounds since Sunday!), my car wouldn't start on Wed so I missed one of my appointments, both kids are now running fevers, the ants we'd been fighting in our living room (and thought we had successfully vanquished) have returned, and the house is in a state of complete disarray. Oh, and did I mention that my husband is leaving tomorrow for a three week business trip on the other side of the world?!?

Last night I was really struggling with "Poor Me" syndrome - none of these things are really major, but I'm just tired of dealing with it all. But then I was reminded that it's not about me - it's about HIM. I need to stop looking around and shift my focus upwards:

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world give. Do not let your hearts be troubled..." John 14:27"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28"Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power." Ephesians 6:10"...We rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has give us." Romans 5:3-5

Thursday, March 8, 2007

OK, so today it's about who's on the couch cushions! We're all sorta mopey today - I'm still not 100% (though thankfully am feeling better!), but it seems our little girl is coming down with something. She's been very quiet and clingy, and is running just a bit of a fever. I was holding her and trying to get through some paperwork, then looked over to see that our son had dozed off on the couch. He very seldom naps during the day anymore, so I'm about to take this opportunity to catch a few zzzz's myself. Catch ya later!

Wednesday, March 7, 2007

We generally sing more modern worship songs at our church, but we do try to slip a hymn in 1-2 times a month. This past week we sang, "Take my life and Let it Be." What a wonderful hymn, and what a wonderful reminder to turn ourselves over - every last piece - to the Giver of all Good Things.

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship." Romans 12:1

Take my life and let it be, consecrated, Lord, to TheeTake my hands and let them move at the impulse of Thy love.

Take my feet and let them be swift and beautiful for TheeTake my voice and let me sing, always, only for my King.Take my lips and let them be filled with messages from TheeTake my silver and my gold, not a mite would I withhold.

Take my moments and my days, let them flow in endless praiseTake my intellect and use every pow’r as Thou shalt choose.

Take my will and make it Thine, it shall be no longer mineTake my heart, it is Thine own, it shall be Thy royal throne.

Take my love, my Lord, I pour at Thy feet its treasure storeTake myself and I will be ever, only, all for Thee.

Tuesday, March 6, 2007

Not having the best day here. I've had dental issues for several years now, and one of my teeth decided to do some major rebelling over the weekend. Last night my face started swelling, and from the neck up it looks like I've gained forty pounds (not a pretty sight!). I'm currently popping amoxicillin and codeine, but still feeling pretty miserable. Tomorrow I go for my annual "lady visit," which will be followed up with a trip to the dentist. Yeah, it's definitely going to be a great day...

On a side note, I just want to say that we have some wonderful friends. I was watching some kids yesterday afternoon, and when their mom came by to pick them up she definitely knew I wasn't my normal self. Well, she came back this morning with another friend, then whisked the kids off to Burger King so they could run off some energy at the playland and I got to snooze in a blissfully quiet house. How blessed am I?!?

Monday, March 5, 2007

I've been posting at Yahoo!360 for nearly a year now, but I'm getting frustrated with some of the features, so I'm consolidating to blogger. Welcome to the world of a full-time Mom, who dearly loves her children but occasionally gets a little crazy. Peak under the couch cushions if you dare!!!

I'll be bragging about my wonderful family, sharing tips and recipes, posting pictures, and just generally babbling on about our lives.